Pieter Bruegel. The Blind

Abstract

The article is dedicated to one of the most tragic paintings by Pieter Bruegel the Elder (1525–1569) “The Blind Leading the Blind”. The article analyses the composition and details of the painting. It is shown how Bruegel uncovered the character of both blind men and their attitude to what happens. Many researchers believe that there are no other people in this painting apart from the blind men. This article argues that despite the losses it is still possible to see two other people: a shepherd looking after his cows and a man with a stick over his shoulder by the church wall. The presence of these “witnesses” enhances the impression of detachment and fatality of the blind. The article reveals hidden symbolism in the painting, with a special role being given to the blind man, who is following the leader and is about to fall down. This blind man gained spiritual vision, and a piercing look of his empty eye-sockets calls us to recover the sight as well.

Keywords:

Bruegel’s Art, the painting “The Blind Leading the Blind”, the blind in the painting “Netherlandish Proverbs”